Dyslexia Requirements and Recommendations

Since 2018, Kansas education has implemented nearly all recommendations contained within the 
Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia’s final report and Kansas schools are actively transitioning to the use of 

structured literacy methodology for literacy instruction for students. Professional learning across the state continues to support universal screening, the use of structured literacy and evidence-based practices and high-quality instructional materials that are aligned with the Kansas state curriculum standards. 

Kansas uses the revised definition of dyslexia as adopted by the International Dyslexia Association in October 2025.

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected. Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.” (IDA, 2025)

Requirements and Recommendations

Required Training: KSDE Initial Dyslexia Training Modules

New teachers hired for the first time in Kansas, or teachers new to teaching in Kansas that are licensed and/ or endorsed elementary; early childhood unified; high incidence special education K-12; ELA 5-12; reading specialist; school psychologists, are required to receive the Initial Dyslexia Training Modules provided by KSDE. This training is required for those educators who may already have the Kansas Seal of Literacy. This training is to be facilitated by an individual with literacy expertise using the facilitator guide and materials provided by the KSDE. It is recommended to have this training early in the academic year, but training must be completed by March 1st. System should maintain records of all required educators who receive this training for verification upon request of KSDE.

  • Updated Modules will be available August 1, 2026. 

Required Training: Annual Dyslexia/ Structured Literacy Training

By recommendation of the Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia and requirement of the Kansas State Board of Education all systems are required to conduct annual professional development on structured literacy and/or dyslexia for those educators who are licensed and/ or endorsed elementary (PK-6); early childhood unified; high incidence special education K-12; ELA 5-12; reading specialist; school psychologists and includes those with a temporary non-renewable license. Teachers who are new to teaching and receive the initial dyslexia modules are still required to receive this annual training.

While this professional learning is required annually, each school system is allowed to determine the time and duration of the training and can differentiate it by license area. The training should be hands-on, with evidence-based practices, on the nature of dyslexia and/ or developmental language disorder, procedures to identify students who are struggling in reading, intervention strategies and procedures, tiered intervention practices, or progress monitoring. The training can be held during consecutive PLC meetings and does not require a dedicated professional development day. The training must be completed by March 1st.  The school system maintains records of the training provided and those who participated for verification upon request of KSDE. 

Special Education Additional Dyslexia Resources

Dyslexia is a type of learning disability. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. It is specifically cited as an example of a learning disability in the implementing regulations of the IDEA and in the Kansas Special Education for Exceptional Children Act, under the definition of specific learning disability. In its more severe forms, a student with dyslexia may qualify for special education services, special accommodations, or extra support services.

If you have questions about dyslexia and the statutes and regulations governing eligibility for special education services, please contact the KSDE Special Education Services Team

For questions specifically on Special Education regarding dyslexia please contact Brian Dempsey 


Structured Literacy

Structured Literacy refers to the explicit, systematic, diagnostic, and cumulative approach to teaching literacy that acknowledges the value of both word recognition and oral and written language comprehension as evidenced in all grades and disciplines.

For more information concerning the KSDE's dyslexia requirements and/ or recommendations contact:

ELitDyslexia@ksde.gov
(785) 296-2749